Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Disbarment for Government Lawyers: Ethical Standards and Public Trust
A PAO lawyer's disbarment for accepting private cases and fees while in government service, and for deceiving a client.
Notarial Misconduct Lawyers Must Adhere to Geographic Limits of Notarial Commissions
A lawyer who notarizes documents outside his commissioned territory commits malpractice and faces suspension and permanent disqualification from notarial practice.
Bail Without Court Order: When a Clerk of Court May Refuse Cash Bond
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a clerk of court may refuse a cash bond and the consequences for lawyers who file baseless administrative complaints.
When a Lawyer's Second Marriage Becomes a Professional Misconduct Case
A municipal legal officer faces suspension for contracting a second marriage while his first remained valid, highlighting lawyers' duty to know the law.
Lawyer Suspended for Contracting Second Marriage While First Was Subsisting
A lawyer's second marriage while his first remained valid led to a one-year suspension, underscoring lawyers' duty to know the law.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorneys AND THE Prohibition Against Forum Shopping 2
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that filing repeated suits for the same cause violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and constitutes forum shopping.
Disbarment in the Philippines: When Lawyers Betray Public Trust and Client Funds
The Supreme Court reaffirms that lawyers who disrespect courts and disobey orders face severe sanctions, even after disbarment.
Breach of Trust: A Lawyer's Duty to Client Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyers who took a client's car as payment, explaining the fiduciary duty over client property.
Conflict OF Interest When A Lawyers Loyalty IS Divided
Accountability in Public Office: Canvassers' Duty of Care in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election canvassers' liability for certifying padded votes, and the ethical duties of lawyers in public service.
Ethical Boundaries FOR Lawyers THE Perils OF Misconduct AND Unauthorized Practice
Unconscionable Greed: Attorney's Fees Must Be Reasonable and Just
Philippine Supreme Court nullifies P50M attorney's fee claim, ruling lawyers' compensation must be reasonable, not driven by greed.
Bound by Your Lawyer’s Mistakes? Client Responsibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts generally hold clients responsible for their lawyers' negligence. Only gross negligence that deprives a client of due process warrants relief.
Attorney's Fees in Estate Settlement: When Can Lawyers Directly Claim From the Estate?
Learn when lawyers may directly claim attorney's fees from an estate in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings and estate settlement rules.
Prima Facie Evidence in Disbarment Cases: Protecting Lawyers From Baseless Accusations
Learn how the Supreme Court protects lawyers from baseless disbarment complaints, requiring prima facie evidence before full investigation proceeds.
Maintaining Decorum: Why Respectful Language Is Non-Negotiable for Lawyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's Molina v. Pacific Plans ruling clarifies how a manager's disrespectful conduct and disloyalty can justify dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Office Misconduct and Civil Service Suspension: Understanding Employee Accountability in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for misconduct, negligence, and client abandonment, and what this means for workplace accountability.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflict of Interest in Disbarment Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be disciplined for representing conflicting interests, even across different cases and clients.
Truth and Oath in Attorney Discipline: When Perjury Allegations Against Lawyers Fail
Explaining Asturias v. Serrano, where the Supreme Court dismissed disbarment complaints for lack of clear evidence of willful falsehood.
Lawyers Must Acknowledge Client Payments and Act Fairly Despite Zealous Representation
A lawyer who refuses to acknowledge a client's payment and withholds registration of a deed violates ethical rules, even when acting to protect a client.
Good Faith and Due Diligence When Lawyers Rely on Official Records
When can a lawyer rely on official receipts without facing disciplinary action? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Lawyers Must Respect Courts and Their Staff: Lessons from A.C. No. 11508
A disbarred lawyer faces fines for disrespecting court personnel and defying IBP orders, underscoring lawyers' duty of respect.
Conflict of Interest Rules for Lawyers: The Quiambao v. Bamba Case
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases. Learn the conflict of interest rules from Quiambao v. Bamba.
Navigating Conflict of Interest: What Philippine Lawyers and Clients Need to Know
A lawyer cannot represent opposing parties in the same case. Learn the rules, tests, and consequences of conflict of interest in Philippine law.